Interpersonal Relationships

By Scott Canipe

Interpersonal relationships are a must for societies to interact with each other productively. Whether they are romantic, friendships, familial, or by professional association, relationships must have a mutual understanding between the parties involved. This type of mindset provides a framework for healthy relationships.

Constructive relationships between people require work and maintenance. They are successful because the parties involved strive to make them that way. Complacency and neglect never produces satisfactory results. This holds true for all interpersonal relationships.

There are myriad of relationship questions that people have. They can be complicated and there are no easy answers. Many ask: “How do I save my marriage?” “How can I make friends?” or “How can I be happy in my relationships?”

Relationship Questions

Because people are the embodiment of interpersonal relationships, the success and failure rates are subjected to many variables. Every human being is unique. He or she has a different personality type and interprets reality a little different from others that are involved in the relationship.

Therefore, there is no exact blueprint to follow. However, there are specific behavior characteristics that will ensure productive and healthy relationships.

From our research and investigation there are 3 basic components that lay the foundation and should be exercised continually. These 3 can answer many relationship questions that one may have:

Expectations from each party – When one engages in a relationship there are legitimate needs and desires that must be met in order for it to stay positive and strong.

Selflessness from each party – In order to meet the expectations from the other party/parties involved, there must be an exhibition of sacrifice on the part of each member. Narcissistic behavior will definitely destroy will any relationship.

Communication – It is imperative that communication is constant. If the parties involved do not express their needs, opinions, or dissatisfactions the relationship can conclude in disaster.

Depression symptoms can be the result of not applying the above dynamics.

Opposites Attract or Not

In interpersonal relationships, do opposites really attract or do people with similar interests become the most successful? These 2 types exist among societies and sometimes they cross over each other.

The cultural expression of opposites attract definitely has viability. There is a level of excitement early on by engaging in a relationship with someone that is a polar opposite, especially, in romantic relationships. Many researchers feel that this is a way for the two people with many differences to complete themselves in some or many capacities. Where one has a weakness the other party member is strong and vice versa.

However, as the passion and novelty wears off, too many times the opposites attract theory becomes a nuisance. Resentment can replace the initial excitement. In general, romantic relationships are typically demanding; especially, after the parties have been together for an extensive period of time. At this stage of the relationship when there is nothing or very little in common there is a great strain. Fighting and arguing normally ensues. If something is not done to rectify the issue then sadness and depression symptoms will be the result.

There was a study at the University of Pennsylvania conducted in 2006 regarding the opposites attract theory. In this study most people who were looking for a “long term” romantic relationship stated that their major objective was to find another person that shared similar backgrounds in religion, economic status, personality traits, and religion.

But when looking for a “short-term” romantic relationship, they made choices based solely on physical attraction. Having shared interests had no bearing at all.

The other three types of interpersonal relationships (family, friends, and professional associates) are definitely more successful and have a deeper bonding if they have similar interests. There is stronger continuity and a sharing of mutual ideas when people have greater commonality.

Interpersonal relationships, although challenging, can create happiness and enrich one’s quality of life. Although different types of relationships have many characteristics and specific needs, they can be productive and carried out in harmony.

Too many people feel that relationships are unconditional. This is obviously false. Healthy relationships can be destroyed if they are neglected by either or all parties involved. Most of humanity has relationship questions, fortunately answers do exist. For a strong relationship to stay resilient and progressive there are specific things that need to take place.

Knowing what the expectations are, abandoning narcissist behavior, and communication are the foundational principles that must be followed to experience rewarding interpersonal relationships. If these principles are adhered to, then people can live in harmony and grow in wisdom together.

What are interpersonal relationships?

Interpersonal relationships are the framework of societies. They can provide happiness and productivity if certain principles are followed.

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